For all you sports enthusiasts out there, here’s Forbes latest list of the top 10 richest sportsman in the world 2017. Basketball is undoubtedly one of the highest paid sports and boasts of some of the wealthiest athletes. The amount mentioned for the top paid athletes includes:

Salary

Bonus

Prize amounts

Endorsement

Licensing

Appearance fees

Athletics has always been a very lucrative field. I’m sure most of you must have engaged in sports like football and basketball. Most parents enroll their children in a sport that they enjoy. It could be football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics or any other sport. Some continue up to high school and move on to professional levels. Many start at a young age and are discovered by an agent for playing in the bigger leagues.

World-class athletes go on to attain name and fame, not to forget, becoming the highest paid athletes as well. These sportsmen are the highest paid athletes of all time and get hefty amounts from big contracts and endorsements.

Footballers and golfers as well as tennis players are able to make huge sums. NBA players are also very well paid being among the richest sports player in the world.

Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World

Did you know that the richest athlete was named after the American President Ronald Reagan, being his father’s favorite Hollywood star?

He literally has the world at his feet, being one of the richest athletes in the world. Check out the documentary Cristiano Ronaldo: World at His Feet to know more about this baffling footballer.

Even if you were not a sports buff, you’d actually have to be living under the rocks if you’ve not heard of this remarkable sportsman. His free kick is said to be a mind-blowing 130 km per hour and he is truly worthy of being the richest player in the world in all sports.

LeBron James, Basketball, United States, $86 Million – One of the Wealthiest Athletes

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

Basically, from Ohio, he was a top basketball player during high school and a leading NBA player of Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them get their first championship in the year 2016.

He was a strong player from high school onward, winning the Basket Player for the year by PARADE, so it’s no wonder he decided to become a pro in this highest paid sport in the world.

He is also the youngest player to receive the Rookie of the Year Awards from NBA, at the age of 20, making him one among the 10 richest sportspersons in the world right now.

Lionel Messi, Football, Argentina/Spain, $80 Million

(10 Richest Sportsperson in the World Tight Now)

He is one of the top 10 richest athletes and is nicknamed ‘The Flea’.

He has been compared with legends like Pele. His first contract was with Barcelona and it was drawn on a paper napkin! And this was when he was just 13!

He went on to receive the gold medal with the Argentinian team, at the Olympics 2008 held in Beijing, making him one of the richest sportsperson in the world.

Roger Federer, Tennis, Switzerland, $64 Million – One of the Richest Sportsman in the World

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

He needs no introduction, being ranked at 3rd position by the Association of Tennis Professionals. He’s a true Swiss Ace, with the most impressive stats you could ever imagine. You could say he’s a blend of the best in tennis, like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors.

The tennis legend is one of the richest sports players. He started his career with a bang when he won the singles and the boys’ final in 1998. The Wimbledon sensation went on to win many more accolades with 2006 being the golden year.

Kevin Durant, Basketball, United States, $60 Million

(Top 10 Richest Athletes)

He is one of the richest sports person and plays for NBA’s Golden State Warriors, which is one of the richest sports body in the world. Initially, he played at amateur levels in Maryland. By 2006, Kevin was considered among the best high school prospects. He won many awards in the NBA and also 2 Olympic gold medals.

He has endorsements with giants like Nike, General Electric and Sprint. Back in 2013, he made around $35 million, being ranked as the 4th highest paid basketball player of the year.

Rory Mcllroy, Golf, United States, $50 Million

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

He turned into a professional when he was just 17. Seems he was destined to become one of the richest sport stars, being born on May 4th, the Star Wars day. He’s also buddies with Tiger Woods and they have starred together in a Nike commercial.

He has 2 PGA championships; British Open and an US open under his belt by the age of 25.

Andrew Luck, American Football, United States, $50 Million

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

Jack Elway, Frankfurt Galaxy’s coach, pronounced that Luck could be a player when he was just three years old. He got a Stanford athletic scholarship and won the Maxwell award for the best football player in the college in 2011.

He struck a contract for $22 million in 2012 with the NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts. In 2016, he signed an extension for $140 million with a guarantee of $87 for 6 years, making him one of the most paid athletes.

Stephen Curry, Basketball, United States, 47 Million

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

He is currently the MVP front runner for NBA, one of the richest sports organizations in the world, and its deadliest shooter, having started playing basketball at the age of 5. He has been with the Golden State Warriors from 2009, which makes him one with the longest tenure.

Interestingly, he has also won the Kia Community Award, for his extensive work against malaria, distributing 38000 nets to refugee camps in Tanzania.

James Harden, Basketball, United States, $46 Million

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

He plays for the Houston Rockets of NBA, earning the All NBA honors 4 times. He has perfected the Euro Step, one of the best offensive moves.

The Oklahoma City Thunder first drafted him to the NBA in the year 2009. He then went on to sign a contract for $80 million with Houston Rockets for 5 years. He also signed up an endorsement with Adidas for $200 million in 2015, for 13 years.

Lewis Hamilton, Formula One Racing, Britain, $46 Million

(Top 10 Richest Sportsman in The World)

When he was just 10, he won a karting championship. He was also good at cricket as well as football. At 13 years, McLaren Drivers, an F1 team, contracted him. He is one of the best Formula One drivers and has 3 world titles under his belt.

He signed up a deal worth several millions with McLaren Mercedes for a period of 5 years, becoming the highest paid sportsman in Britain.

Wrapping Up

If these wealthy sportsmen inspire you, you too could become a professional athlete. Play and train rigorously. Be competitive, disciplined and go in for rigorous training.

You can join a team or clubs that are dedicated to your favorite sport and try out tournaments. If you are lucky enough to get drafted in a particular sport, say football, you could go straight up to a professional team.

Professional sporting leagues are continually expanding and the number of athletes is increasing too. The competition is tough, but the returns are totally worth it. You don’t necessarily have to begin in diapers; you could be a late bloomer.